Case03 Parameter with global expression

 

In Case02, we observe repeated use of Height+1. In cases where the occurrence of the same expression is frequent, we can alternatively define a global expression in the data file. In this example, we create a global expression block_height, defined as Height+1. Then, we can place multiple block_height under Nodal_data data structure. Note that the parameter names and expressions are case-insensitive. Also, underscore is used to represent space within parameter names and expressions.

 

Basic Set Up: Data File Description

 

The data file for the project is in : ParDef_001\Case03\Data. The key data structures relevant to the definition of parameter definition for the current example are:

•Parameter_definition to define parameter names and values.

•Global_loads to replace load value with parameter name "Load".

•Nodal_data to replace coordinate points with parameter names "Length", "Height", "Block_width", and global expression "Block_height".

 
Click to expand/collapseParameter Definition

 

Parameter_definition

•Defines parameter names and parameter values

 

Data File

 

 

* Parameter_definition             NUM=1

! ---------------------------------------

Parameter_names                   IDM=4

   load

   length

   Height

   block_width

Parameter_values                  IDM=4

   30

   20

   12

   1.5

Expression_names                  IDM=1

   block_height

Expressions                       IDM=1

   height+1

 

1A list of Parameter_names is created with corresponding Parameter_values.

2Expression name block_height is created to define a global expression in the data file.

3The corresponding expression height+1 is defined.

 

 
Click to expand/collapseGlobal Loads

 

Global_loads

•Defines the surface load value through parameter name

 

Data File

 

 

* Global_loads               NUM=1

! ---------------------------------

 Surface_load          IDM=2 JDM=2

  /Set 1/  Load   0.0

  /Set 2/  1.0    0.0

 Surface_load_type               1        

 Surface_load_geom_set       IDM=2

   "Concrete_top"

   "Soil_top"

 Surface_load_geom_ass       IDM=2

   1

   2

 

1Parameter name Load is put under Global_loads to define the normal surface load on the concrete block.

 

 

 
Click to expand/collapseNodal Data

 

Nodal_data

•Defines coordinate points through parameter name

 

Data File

 

 

* Nodal_data

! ---------------------------------

 node_number                 IDM=7

   1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 coordinates           IDM=2 JDM=7

   0            0

   Length       0

   Length       Height

   Block_width  Height

   0            Height

   Block_width  Block_height

   0            Block_height

 

1Parameter names Length, Height, and Block_width as well as global expression name Block_height are placed accordingly under Nodal_data to define domain geometry.

 

 

Click to expand/collapseResults

 

The following mesh model should be identical to other case models presented in ParDef_001 example.

 

ParDef_001_Case01

Case01 Strip Footing Mesh Model